The Iowa Chapter of Sierra Club's members are approximately 5,000 of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

The Iowa Chapter will take action so all Iowans can enjoy clean air, clean water, clean and renewable energy, expansion and protection of natural areas and wildlife and a government that represents people not polluters.

Pipeline Proposed to Cross Iowa

Iowans are fired up in opposition to the prospect of a crude oil pipeline crossing our state from one corner to another. See the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter’s webpage dedicated to this proposal and check back often for updates. Energy Transfer Partners (ETF), also doing business as Dakota Access, announced plans for a proposed oil pipeline that will run diagonally across Iowa, through 18 counties. It will carry crude oil from the Bakken oil fields in North Dakota to Illinois where it will link with another pipeline that will transport the oil to terminals along the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa Utilities Board is not accepting letters in oppostion of the pipeline. Check the issues page for more information.

Topsoil a Dirty Topic

Topsoil became a dirty subject for conservationists arguing to retain 4" of topsoil after new development construction and developers who say it's simply too expensive. Reasons for the topsoil restoration are to help increase water infiltration into the soil, to prevent runoff and erosion, to retain healthy soil and to lessen the degradation of water quality. Topsoil retention will aid the homebuyers in their efforts to establish landscaping on their lots – grass, trees and gardens.The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has begun taking comments about the rule. Check the issues page for more information.

Home construction. Photo credit: USDA NRCS, Lynn Betts

2015 Legislative Session opened January 12

To keep abreast of the environmental issues being addressed by the Iowa legislature, check our 2015 legislature webpage. The Iowa Chapter Executive Committee has outlined its priorities for the legislative session. The priorities fall into one of six categories – Agriculture and CAFOs; Energy; Good Government; Air Qualtity, Waste & Toxics; Water Quality; and Wildlands & Wildlife. See the priorities for the session on the Chapter’s Legislature webpage.

Annual Meeting Planned for Autumn

The Iowa Chapter annual meeting is held every fall the Iowa Chapter. Sierra Club members from across the state gather to talk about the environment, enjoy a meal, and hear a great speaker. Check back for more information.

Keep the 4-Inch Topsoil Rule

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing a rule change to General Permit No. 2 that would allow a developer or homebuilder to decide how much topsoil is retained, if any, following construction. Current rule requires four inches of topsoil be replaced after construction is complete. Tell DNR to keep the current rule.

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